On the eve of June 2nd, Italy’s Republic Day, a striking action took place at the castle of Desenzano del Garda, coinciding with an exhibition dedicated to Futurism. The artistic duo Gianus carried out an intervention described as a “direct anti-militarist action,” aimed at provoking critical reflection on the relationship between art, power, and violence. The artists highlighted the contradictory nature of Futurism, pointing out how the movement often glorified war. With provocative questions, they ask whether anything has truly changed in our approach to war in the 21st century.
The symbolic gesture at the castle was accompanied by a message that encourages reflection on art as a tool for inquiry. At the heart of the intervention was the image of a child seeking answers through a mirror, which ultimately shatters, symbolizing the absence of certain answers. The authors describe this breakage as the “non-future,” urging a reconsideration of historical lessons to reject violence as a solution.
